Animated sounding figure toy



Oct 27, 1964 H. w. SWANBERG ETAL 3,153,880

ANIMATED SOUNDING FIGURE TOY Filed Dec. 15, 1960 INVENTORS EDWARD W. SWANBERG CHARLES B. MESSENGER 8| JENNlE M. SWANBERG AS EXECUTRIX FOR THE ssm': OF Y W. SWA ERG United States Patent 3,153,888 ANEHATED SQUNDENG Harry W. Sn'anherg, deceased, late of Denver, Cold, by l e Swan oerg, QZEC1X, Denver, (:flltL; Edward William Swan-nerg, 5111 W. 46th Ave, Denver, Colon and Charles B. Messenger, 2445 Benton t., Edge- Water. iIolo assignors of onedourth to llonald Swanherg, Colorado Filed Dec. 315, 196 3, Ser. No. 76,971 The portion of the term of the patent subsequent to 13*, 198-9, has disclaimetl and dedicated to the S (Cl. 46--il3) The present invention is related to a previous application, Serial No. 84l,225, filed on September 21, 1959, by two of the present inventors and since matured into Patent 3,100,946. The prior invention related to a tumbling device, and the present invention is directed to a further development of such device and is actually and more specifically directed to improvements concerning walking toys.

The main objective of the present invention is to present improvements in the design and configuration and in structural elements that are of operational character to adapt the previous invention to various types of walking toys.

A specific object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for simulating a walking or dancing movement for dolls.

A further object of the invention is to provide alternate types of operating mechanisms for dolls and for the animation of various identifiable animate or inanimate objects, such as Easter eggs, dolls, and other toys and caricatures.

Another object of the present invention is to provide mechanisms to be used in conjunction with the proposed walking device to simulate eye and limb movements for animated toys.

Another object of this invention is to provide a music or noise making attachment for walking toys.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the appended description and drawings, in which FIG. 1 is a side elevation illustrating a walking Easter FIG. 2 is a cross sectional elevation through the structure of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional elevation similar to that in FIG. 2 s owing an alternate type of mechanism,

F516. 4 is a front elevation of a dancing doll,

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional elevation taken through the operating mechanism of the doll shown in FIG. 4,

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional elevation taken through a separate embodiment of the invention and illustrating a music making attachment for walking toys of the type disclosed herein, and

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional elevation similar to that shown in FIG. 6 illustrating cooperative means for animating the eye movements of a doll in conjunction with the walking movements thereof.

Briefly stated, the present invention provides improvements in the operative mechanisms for toys adapted to walk down inclined surfaces. The improved mechanisms include separate means for obtaining a resilient operating force as well as separate means for ajusting the extension of an operative pivot device. In addition to such improvements, the present invention includes illustrative mechanisms for animating auxiliary movements of a walking toy and further means for associating musical tones or noise with the described type of walking toys.

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The detailed features of the invention are shown and described in the accompanying drawings, wherein FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 relate to a walking Easter egg device. FIGURE 1 illustrates the exterior shape and configuration of an Easter egg 11, which is generally of hollow construction and which in its usual form provides a top and bottom shell 12 and 13, respectively. The conventional Easter egg shape is modified to provide a ring shaped walking rim 34 having a lower edge 2% on the bottom shell 13. The walking mechanism works within the egg structure 11 and energizes a turning and twisting movement for the egg it when the unit is placed on a ramp surface or upon a tilting device of the type generally shown in the aforementioned prior application.

FIGURES 2 and 3 illustrate alternate operating mechanisms for the egg structure 11. In FIGURE 2 a spring energized resilient member is shown. Here the top shell 12 is provided with a peg 16 disposed downwardly and inwardly from a top center position of the shell 12. A coiled spring 17 is pressed onto the peg 16 to extend downwardly within the hollow confines of the egg 11. The required pivot element 18, which in this embodiment comprises a shaft 19 and a unitary counter-balancing weight 21, is engaged within the spring 17. When the shaft 19 and the peg 1d are of proper size with respect to the internal diameter of the spring 17, minor deformation of the spring is adequate to hold spring 17, peg 16 and shaft 19 in adjusted position. In fact, this arrangement provides means for adjusting the effective length of of the pivot element 18 so that variations may be made in the walking characteristics for the device. To make such adjustments, the shaft 19 may be threaded inwardly with respect to the spring 1'], or the spring may be moved reciprocally with respect to the peg 16. Minor adjustments of the effective length or extension of the pivot materially change the movement pattern for the device and add to the observers enjoyment.

A modified form of operating mechanism is shown in FIGURE 3. Here the top shell 12s of the egg 11 is provided with a cup structure 22 at the top center position. This cup structure is adapted to receive a section of flexible and resilient tubing 23. It has been found that various types of rubber tubing are well suited for this alternate type of resilient member. Natural rubber tubing and latex tubing of the surgical Variety provide a distinctive and energetic type of walking movement for the toy.

When a section of tubing 23 is used the pivot element 18 may be of the same type structure as shown in FIG. 2 with the shaft 19 inserted in the hollow center opening 24 of the tube piece 23. In FIG. 3, however, a modified form of pivot element 18 is shown in which a separate counterweight 21s is loosely engaged on the shaft 19 and is held by a head 26 formed on the shaft 19. It has been found that conventional nail making machinery can be used to provide a structure of the type having a shaft 19 and a pivot extension 25 on the side of the head 26 opposite the shaft 19. The desired length adjustments which are used to change the walking pattern for the toy are easily obtained in this structure by the reciprocal movement of the shaft 19 in the tube 23 or by movement of the tube 23 itself in the cup socket 22.

Operating mechanisms of the type shown and described may be used for the operative elements in many difiierent ypes of toys. The remaining figures and illustrations show adaptations of such operating elements and of the general operating characteristics of this and of the prior invention as adapted to dolls. FIGURE 4 simply illustrates a dancing doll structure, the operating elements of which are shown in FIG. 5. Here a hollow shell structure 27 having a lower rim edge 28 which supports a doll figurine 29 is provided with the cup typc socket 22 which receives a tube type of resilient member 23. In

manner similar to the previous description, this structure 27, the doll 29 will turn, spin, skip, glide and periodically reverse and change its direction and type of movement in a haphazard and eye engaging manner.

Because of the close simulation of dancing movements obtained, a further improvement has been made to provide a tinkling or musical sound to accompany the dancing movements. One modified structure for obtaining such musical accompaniment is shown in FIG. 6. Here a type of doll structure 31 in which the tube receiving :cup socket 22 is positioned at the neck level is further provided with a conventional hollow skirt structure 32.

This skirt structure 32 provides support for an annular 7 element 18, a degree of coordination between dancing movements and emitted sound is obtained which adds to the attractiveness of the device.

The movement of the internal pivot element 18 and of the shaft 19 may be used in other manner to provide animating movements for other elements of a doll structure. The movement of the pivot element 18 may be transmitted to the arms of the doll, or as illustrated in FIG. 7, such movement may be used to obtain movements of the eyes of a dancing doll. The structure as illustrated in FIG. 7 includes a conventional pivot element 18A and the necessary mounting therefor in accordance with the prior description. To such structure a fulcrum support 36 is added on cup structure 22. Other added elements include moving eyes 37, an arm 38 connected to the eyes 37 and the fulcrum 36 and having a hook end 39 adapted to engage the shaft 19A of the pivot element 18A. With this structure, movement of the pivot element 18A and resilient member will cause movement 7 of the eyes 37 to enhance the animated character of the dancing toy.

While the operative elements shown have been described in conjunction with walking Easter eggs and dolls, it should be obvious that these features are adaptable for 'use in conjunction with many ditferent types of toys or mobile novelties. As in the prior invention, the elements for satisfactory operation include the lower rim structure, a freely moving pivot element which extends slightly past the plane of such rim, and resilient means for the storage and release of pivot element moving forces as the device moves along an inclined ramp.

For the purposes of description the top shell structure '12 and 12s for the eggs shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 may be described as hollow elliptic paraboloid. The lower or bottom shell 13 may be described in similar manner as an inverted elliptic paraboloid having a ring or rim opening. Preferably such ring or rim opening should be included'within the terminology of a lower opening of generally circular form, since it has been found that the ring or rim 14 may be of very slight extent or may even be eliminated. In such case the lower terminal edge of the bottom shell surface itself adjacent the lower opening will function as the support rim for coaction with the pivot element 13. In the illustrations 4 through 7 it may be noted that these doll structures all include a skirt shell which likewise is of elliptic paraboloid form. While so described, it should be obvious that a more attractive and realistic appearance may be obtained when at least the exterior surface is not of smooth or regular contour. Such smooth and regular contour is not essential to the direct operation of the device; accordingly, such requirement should not be read into the use of the specific geometric terminology. Actually the lower rim edges 29 or 23 may be of irregular and non-geometric pattern. Slight variations from the plane surface generally defined by such bottom edge are likewise permissible.

While separate embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent that the operative elements and mechanisms here shown are adaptable'to various modifications and changes. All such modifications and innovations as come within the scope of the hereunto appended claims are considered to be a part of this invention.

What is claimed is:

1. An animated toy useful on an inclined surface to simulate erratic walking and dancing movements comprising a hollow shell structure having a downwardly directed opening therein to provide a lower free edge defining a plane adapted for contact with the inclined surface, a support member on said shell in position above and removed from said lower free edge, a resilient member for selective fixed engagement with said support member in position depending downwardly therefrom, and a pivot element engaging said resilient .member and disposed within the confines of said shell structure to depend slightly past the plane of the lower free edge of said shell structure for contact with said inclined surface, said shell said inclined surface to support said body, a support member on said body in position above and removed from said lower free edge, a resilient member adapted for the alternate storage and release of operative forces having one end selectively engaged and fixedly supported by said support member in reciprocally adjusted positions to depend downwardly therefrom, and a pivot. element engaging said resilient member and disposed Within the confines of said shell element to depend slightly past the plane of the lower free edge of said shell element for contact with said inclined surface, of said shell element, support member, resilient member and pivot element being cooperatively arranged to hold and bias said pivot element towards a neutral balance position within the confines of said lower free edge, and said support and resilient members being cooperatively adapted to provide for adjustments in the combined effective extension of said pivot element past the lower free edge of said shell element.

3. An animated toy useful on an inclined surface to simulate erratic walking and dancing movements comprising a body structure of outward shape and design as desired for the toy, a hollow shell element for said body structure having a downwardly directed opening to provide a lower free edge for contact with said inclined surface to support said body, a support member on said body in position above and removed from said lower free edge, a hollow tubing resilient member adapted for the alternate storage and release of operative forces having one end selectively engaged and fixedly supported by said suport member in reciprocally adjusted positions to depend downwardly therefrom, a pivot element engaging said resilient member and disposed within the confines of said shell element to depend slightly past the plane of the lower free edge of said shell element for contact with said inclined surface, said shell element, support member, resilient member and pivot element being cooperatively arranged to hold and bias said pivot element towards a neutral balance position within the confines of said lower free edge, and means cooperative with said support and resilient members to provide for adjustments in the combined effective extension of said pivot element past the lower free edge of said shell element.

4. An animated toy useful on an inclined surface to simulate erratic walking and dancing movements comprising a body structure of outward shape and design as desired for the toy, a hollow shell element for said body structure having a downwardly directed opening to pro vide a lower free edge adapted for contact with said inclined surface to support said body, a cup shaped support member on said body in position above and removed from said lower free edge, a hollow tubing resilient member for the alternate storage and release of operative forces of external diameter slightly greater than the internal diameter of said cup member adapted for deformable fixed engagement with said cup shaped member in selective reciprocal position to depend downwardly therefrom, and a pivot element engaging said resilient member and disposed within the confines of said shell element to depend slightly past the plane of the lower free edge thereof, said shell element, support member, resilient member and pivot element being cooperatively arranged to hold and bias said pivot element towards a neutral balance position within the confines of said lower free edge, and said support and resilient members providing for adjustments in the combined eflective extension of said pivot element past the lower free edge of said shell element.

5. An animated toy useful on an inclined surface to simulate erratic walking and dancing movements comprising a body structure of outward shape and design as desired for the toy, a hollow shell element for said body structure having a downwardly directed opening to provide a lower free edge adapted for contact with said inclined surface to support said body, a support member on said body in position above and removed from said lower free edge, a hollow resilient member for the alternate storage and release of operative forces selectively engaged and fixedly supported by said support member and depending downwardly therefrom, and a shaft pivot element having an external diameter slightly greater than the internal diameter of said resilient member for fixed engagement in said resilient member in selective reciprocal position to depend slightly past the plane of the lower free edge of said shell element for contact with said inclined surface, said shell element, support member, resilient member and pivot element being cooperatively arranged to hold and bias said pivot element towards a neutral balance position within the confines of said lower free edge, and said resilient member and pivot element being cooperatively adapted to provide for adjustments in the combined effective extension of said pivot element past the lower free edge of said shell element.

6. An animated toy useful on an inclined surface to simulate erratic walking and dancing movements comprising a body structure of outward shape and design as desired for the toy, a hollow shell element for said body structure having a downwardly directed opening to provide a lower free edge adapted for contact with said inclined surface to support said body, a support member on said body in position above and removed from said lower free edge, animating appendages movably connected to said body structure, a resilient member for the alternate storage and release of operative forces having one end selectively engaged and fixedly supported by said support member and depending downwardly therefrom, a pivot element engaging said resilient member and disposed within the confines of said shell element to depend slightly past the plane of the lower free edge thereof, said resilient member and pivot element being movable within said body and shell element to actuate the major movements of said toy, said members together with the shell element and support member being c0- operatively arranged to hold and bias said pivot element towards a neutral balance position within the confines of said lower free edge, and means interconnecting said animating appendages and the moving pivot element and resilient members within said shell element for transmitting the movement .thereof to said animating appendages.

7. An animated toy useful on an inclined surface t simulate walking and dancing movements comprising a hollow shell structure having an opening therein at an end of said structure and in a plane substantially at right angles to the major axis of said shell structure to provide a lower free edge for contact with said inclined surface, a pivot member of resilient material having one end fixedly supported by said shell structure in position at the end thereof disposed away from said opening to depend downwardly therefrom, said pivot member and the free end thereof being generally disposed for free movement within the confines of said shell structure and of length to depend slightly past the plane of the lower free edge of said shell structure for contact with said inclined surface, said shell structure, pivot member and the respective weight and resilience thereof being cooperatively designed for the alternate storage and release of operative forces to disturb the momentary and erratic balance of said toy as defined by the said lower free edge and resilient pivot member to obtain desired walking, spinning and dancing movements for the toy.

8. An animated toy useful on an inclined surface to simulate walking and dancing movements comprising a hollow shell structure having an opening therein at an end of said structure and in a plane substantially at right angles to the major axis of said shell structur to provide a lower free edge for contact with said inclined surface, a pivot member of resilient material having one end fixedly supported by said shell structure in position at the end thereof disposed away from said opening to depend downwardly therefrom, said pivot member and the free end thereof being generally disposed for free movement within the confines of said shell structure and of length to depend slightly past the plane of the lower free edge of said shell structure for contact with said inclined surface, said shell structure, pivot member and the respective weight and resilience thereof being c0- operatively designed for the alternate storage and release of operative forces to disturb the momentary and erratic balance of said toy as defined by the said lower free edge and resilient pivot member to obtain desired walking, spinning and dancing movements for the toy, and a plurality of sound generating vibrational means supported by said body structure and disposed in spaced positions Within said shell structure for periodic contact with said free moving pivot member for the release of audible sound.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,007,218 Mahan Oct. 31, 1911 1,608,648 Dawley Nov. 30, 1926 2,620,593 Rockwood Dec. 9, 1952 FOREIGN PATENTS 249,893 Switzerland May 18, 1948 

8. AN ANIMATED TOY USEFUL ON AN INCLINED SURFACE TO SIMULATE WALKING AND DANCING MOVEMENTS COMPRISING A HOLLOW SHELL STRUCTURE HAVING AN OPENING THEREIN AT AN END OF SAID STRUCTURE AND IN A PLANE SUBSTANTIALLY AT RIGHT ANGLES TO THE MAJOR AXIS OF SAID SHELL STRUCTURE TO PROVIDE A LOWER FREE EDGE FOR CONTACT WITH SAID INCLINED SURFACE, A PIVOT MEMBER OF RESILIENT MATERIAL HAVING ONE END FIXEDLY SUPPORTED BY SAID SHELL STRUCTURE IN POSITION AT THE END THEREOF DISPOSED AWAY FROM SAID OPENING TO DEPEND DOWNWARDLY THEREFROM, SAID PIVOT MEMBER AND THE FREE END THEREOF BEING GENERALLY DISPOSED FOR FREE MOVEMENT WITHIN THE CONFINES OF SAID SHELL STRUCTURE AND OF LENGTH TO DEPEND SLIGHTLY PAST THE PLANE OF THE LOWER FREE EDGE OF SAID SHELL STRUCTURE FOR CONTACT WITH SAID INCLINED SURFACE, SAID SHELL STRUCTURE, PIVOT MEMBER AND THE RESPECTIVE WEIGHT AND RESILIENCE THEREOF BEING COOPERATIVELY DESIGNED FOR THE ALTERNATE STORAGE AND RELEASE OF OPERATIVE FORCES TO DISTURB THE MOMENTARY AND ERRATIC BALANCE OF SAID TOY AS DEFINED BY THE SAID LOWER FREE EDGE AND RESILIENT PIVOT MEMBER TO OBTAIN DESIRED WALKING, SPINNING AND DANCING MOVEMENTS FOR THE TOY, AND A PLURALITY OF SOUND GENERATING VIBRATIONAL MEANS SUPPORTED BY SAID BODY STRUCTURE AND DISPOSED IN SPACED POSITIONS WITHIN SAID SHELL STRUCTURE FOR PERIODIC CONTACT WITH SAID FREE MOVING PIVOT MEMBER FOR THE RELEASE OF AUDIBLE SOUND. 